How much do you all spend a year on Computer Hardware and/or Software? Or any other related stuff i.e. digital cameras, scanners, PDA's (Palms). Do you feel its worth the expense?

I spend. The reason being, that you have to say on top of technology to stay in line with customers. I also run a real estate office and it is very important for my agents to have all the technical resources available. Besides I am a wanna be nerd.

But what do you spend on? Laptops, Desktops, PDA's, Website, Servers, networking? I am curious because I am a Nerd, and would like ot know where is money best spent from a purely Real Estate viewpoint. If you could give me some specifics I might be able to point agents in a different direction than what salepeople are pushing and claiming to be the next best thing.

Computers range from $350 - $1,200. If I just need something fast easy for the agents to use, I go to www.pricewatch.com and see what is available for an affordable price. I also get ads from Dell. Sometimes they really have a good sale.

$1,200 is usually for a server. I usually do the networking myself so the cost is very small for the parts.

I really do not use any other software except for Microsoft Office, since all the programs are made to work with each other and it does not take much to learn their products.

My office is also a franchise so I discounts on computers and backoffice software for a small monthly fee.

I know this is probably not much help but if you could tell me what you are really looking for, maybe I can head you in the right direction.

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maryb@knolgoy.net

Mary,
I was in a former life a computer consultant. I think we are misunderstanding one another. I was hoping to help your purchasing decisions while you are in turn trying to help me! LOL! Be careful of price watch sometimes you can get burned there, most dealers are reputable but just keep an eye on some of them. If I can help you with any purchasing decisions let me know. I am a MCSE, A+, NET+, server+, security+ certified technician. I am also familiar with multitudes of other software and hardware products that many people aren't even aware of. They may be helpful some may not. I was offering my brain to picked by our membership without any type of pressure or salespeople hounding. Why am I in Real Estate you may ask? I am a people person and dealing with machines all day long just wasn't enough. So ask away I maybe able to help in some small way.

Joker:

I am so glad that we are now working on the same page. I was into computers for 5 years and came back to real estate. So I do understand where you are coming from. It is nice to know that I have someone to call on when I need a computer or program. I look forward to seeking your help in the near future.



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maryb@knolgoy.net

I do have a lot of agents that are looking for something like Top Producer, but not quite as expensive or hard to learn. Any ideas?

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maryb@knolgoy.net

I actually posted a reply to this but apparently i lost it some how. Anyway here it is again. First question are you affiliated with a major franchise? If so which one. Your are basically looking for CRM software (customer relationship management) there are hundreds of titles out there and a few have templates designed for real estate. Answer my questions and I'll point you in the right direction. or at least a few different directions that may suit your needs.

Just a little fyi, I sent my response to mbower directly through email. don't think she ignored me or vice versa.... any other questions I can answer?

Thank you Joker,
I did receive your response and proceeded to pass this one to my agents. I am very glad to say that one actually has signed up for the agent program and seems to be enjoying the program. Thanks again,

Mary Beth


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maryb@knolgoy.net

I was glad to find this forum, seeing agents who 'get it' talk about how to best use technology. I am in the process of building a CRM (customer relationship management) tool for agents. My quest actually began after my own home-buying experience, during which I was rather unsatisfied with the difficulty I had in managing my own home search.

I have done research for several months, looking at the many hundreds of solutions available. In my opinion, it is possible to provide a CRM system for agents that is both cheaper AND more full-featured than existing solutions.

I am seeking a few tech-savvy agents to work closely with me to develop a better product. With several 'self-proclaimed nerds' on this forum, this represents an unprecedented opportunity for you to be tightly involved in the direction of the project. I will happily provide my 'early adopters' with free and unlimited use of the system.

I have completed the first portion of the system, which provides a feature that I have never seen in any competitors, and I would have GREATLY appreciated during my recent home search. In particular, if you have a digital camera and service home buyers, you can greatly improve the service you provide your clients.

If I have piqued your interest, and you would like to get involved, please send me an email.

My email is: apinstein (at) mac dot com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Alan